The Magpies' boss has warned the Premier League big boys that his side will challenge at the top again next season and has praised the financial model at the club

Alan Pardew has insisted that Newcastle's unlikely push for Champions League qualification is no fluke and believes the Magpies will again threaten the Premier League's elite next season.

The Magpies currently sit fifth and are performing way above pre-season expectations with the likes of Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse and Hatem Ben Arfa catching the eye.

Pardew told TheMirror: “We have proved this season by breaking into the top six that we can be a force in the Premier League and we have laid ­foundations that I hope can keep us at the top end of the table in ­future years.”

The 50-year-old also highlighted the financial model in place at Newcastle and expressed his appreciation of the way the fans have warmed to him and the club’s decisions.

“From day one I’ve tried to be open and honest about the financial model we’re ­operating. I understood the fans’ initial ­resentment.

“Mike [Ashley, the club's owner] set out to make Newcastle self-financing and I knew exactly what that framework entailed when I took the job in December 2010. I’ve aimed to be transparent with the supporters and give them clarity about what we are trying to achieve and how we will operate in the transfer market.

“They know that in ­certain circumstances we will sell players.

“At a club like this, where huge money was spent in the past on top players such as Alan ­Shearer and Michael Owen, it was inevitable that some would not be happy with our spend. Many were unhappy with the sale of Andy Carroll – but that ­£35 million has helped us build a team that has exceeded all expectations this ­season.

“Our policy makes sound financial sense in a harsh economic ­climate and with Uefa financial fair play rules looming. Mike was determined that the club’s future would not be put at risk by ­spending money we could not afford. We have all seen what has happened at Portsmouth and Rangers.

“Now I think a lot of Newcastle fans are starting to see the bigger picture and appreciate what we are doing makes sense.We set out to find value in the transfer market and I believe we have succeeded.”

Pardew expressed his delight at the impact of the club’s new signings, which could see them clinch Champions League qualification.

“We have been helped by the fact that signings such as Papiss Cisse, Demba Ba, Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye have come in and had an ­immediate ­impact.

“And I have been helped by the fact that the backroom staff I inherited are first-class."

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